Archive for the ‘Gillian’ Category

With the national day of love quickly approaching, we interrupt our traditional Texas Tuesday programming to bring you a few brew recommendations that are sure to impress your craft beer-loving sweetie on V-day. (And for the singles who’d rather call it “D-day” – we promise, these beers taste just as good with five of your closest friends at the local pub as they do on a date at a fancy restaurant. You have our word.)

Chocolate has long been a traditional Valentine’s Day gift. Sugary-sweet and usually packaged in some sort of heart-shaped box, it is a go-to for the fella or lady who’s not looking to mess with success by saying “I love you” with a gift that’s tried and true.

To this guy or gal, may we offer another an equally equitable formula: chocolate + beer.

Rogue Ales’ Chocolate Stout is sure to please, with mellow flavors of oats, chocolate malts and real chocolate, all balanced perfectly with just the right amount of hops for a bitter-sweet finish. This ebony-hued beer has a rich, creamy head, making for a picture-perfect presentation.

Want to spice things up with even more chocolate intensity? Rogue Ales has you covered with their Double Chocolate Stout, flavored with even more imported Dutch bittersweet chocolate. No need to get nervous about making the right impression with this one – it won a Gold Medal at the World Beer Championships in 2010.

The folks at Texas Big Beer Brewery are also helping you celebrate this special day with their White Chocolate Porter.

This rich, dark ale pours almost black with a nice tan head. You’ll notice coffee on the nose, while white chocolate flavors come out gradually as you sip, followed by a pleasing, hoppy-bitter finish. Serve some up for your sweetie and get ready for some compliments – this one is sure to be a favorite even past Valentine’s Day.

If you’re looking to keep things “light”, we suggest pairing Goose Island’s Gillian, a Belgian style farmhouse ale, with your lover’s feast. Inspired by an amuse bouche often prepared by the wife of one of Goose Island’s brewery, Gillian brings white pepper, strawberry and honey to a harmonious blend. Partially aged in wine barrels, this brew is slightly tart and pleasantly sweet with a refreshingly effervescent body.

And finally, for those looking to mark the occasion with a most-refined ale, may we suggest Stella Artois.

Stella Artois is one of the world’s best-selling beers and is enjoyed in more than 80 countries. Its full, characteristic flavor and high quality is assured through a superior brewing process and by using the finest ingredients available. When only the best of the best will do for your boo – this is your go-to.

Good luck with your Valentine’s Day planning, Pint Jockeys! Three cheers for three things that make our world go round – love, chocolate and craft beer.

We’ll see you back on the blog next week (after all this lovey-dovey stuff has passed) with another Texas Tuesday pick.